If you’re visiting Beijing with kids or just keen for a calm but cultural day out, the Summer Palace is an absolute gem. With its historic temples, stunning bridges, peaceful lakeside paths and fun treats along the way, it’s the kind of place that suits both adults and little legs.
How to Get to the Summer Palace
We used the Didi app (China’s version of Uber) to get there, and it couldn’t have been easier. The whole journey cost just £8 for nearly an hour’s ride cheaper than a takeaway! We were dropped right outside the East Gate, and on the way back, we simply booked another Didi. No fuss, no confusion just easy family travel in Beijing.
Walking the Full Lake Loop
The Summer Palace grounds are enormous, but we were up for the challenge and walked the entire lake loop. We crossed a series of ornate bridges, admired the pavilions with their curved roofs and intricate carvings, and soaked up the traditional Chinese architecture at every turn.
The weather on the day was ideal comfortable, mild, and calm, with just enough warmth to keep us in a good mood without overheating. It made for perfect walking weather, especially with kids in tow.
Climbing the Tower of Buddhist Incense
At the heart of the Summer Palace sits the towering Foxiangge (Tower of Buddhist Incense). It’s the most iconic structure in the whole complex, and yep – we climbed it.
There are a lot of steps, but the views over Kunming Lake are completely worth the effort. Historically, this tower was a sacred place where the Empress Dowager Cixi prayed to Buddha, and it still holds that peaceful, reverent feel. The architecture is stunning – bold reds and golds, surrounded by incense and ancient trees.
Ice Cream with a Twist
No family outing is complete without a sweet treat, right? After all those steps, we found an ice cream stand selling palace-themed ice creams – and they were brilliant. We had a chocolate bull-shaped ice cream, and the kids loved the ones shaped like the Summer Palace, flavoured with strawberry, vanilla, and blueberry. Tasty, fun, and very photogenic.
Final Verdict: A Must-Do in Beijing
If you’re looking for a family-friendly thing to do in Beijing, the Summer Palace ticks all the boxes – affordable, beautiful, walkable, and rich in history.
From the peaceful lakeside stroll to the majestic tower climb and unique snacks along the way, this is one Beijing landmark that’s as enjoyable for kids as it is for adults.
Top tips:
Use Didi for cheap, easy transport Wear comfy shoes you’ll walk a lot Don’t miss the tower view Grab the palace shaped ice creams trust us
Follow our world travel blog for more family adventures, real-world travel tips, and the occasional ice cream review – because parenting on the road always includes snacks!
